CANADA STOCKS-TSX may open lower after Fed minutes, jobs data eyed

Jan 4 Canada's main stock index looked set to
open lower, dragged down by falling commodities, after minutes
of the Federal Reserve's December meeting raised concerns about
the possible side effects of the bank's stimulus program.

TOP STORIES

* U.S. employers likely stepped up hiring in December as
businesses took on more staff for the holidays, but the gain
will probably not make inroads in the still high unemployment
rate.

* Tentative signs emerged in December that the euro zone
economy may have passed the worst of its downturn, although a
recovery still looks some months away, a business survey showed.

* Spain's largest bank Santander will cut 3,000 jobs
following its planned merger with its Banesto subsidiary, Cinco
Dias reported, citing sources from unions and close to the bank.

* Greek banks eyeing state-controlled Hellenic Postbank (TT)
are expected to express initial interest by Friday, marking the
next stage of the sector's consolidation designed to help cope
with the debt crisis.

MARKET SNAPSHOT

* Canada stock futures traded down 0.25 percent

* U.S. stock futures , , were mixed in
the range of 0.11 percent and -0.08 percent

* European shares, were mixed

COMMODITY PRICE MOVES

* Thomson Reuters-Jefferies CRB Index : 294.0349;
fell 0.7 percent

* Gold futures : $1,628.8; fell 2.68 percent

* US crude : $91.98; fell 1.01 percent

* Brent crude : $110.83; fell 1.17 percent

* LME 3-month copper : $8,065.5; fell 1.21 percent

ANALYSTS' RECOMMENDATIONS

Following is a summary of research actions on Canadian
companies reported by Reuters.

* Tricon Capital Group Inc. : Canaccord Genuity
raises target price to C$7.20 from C$6.50 on cash flow growth
and improved valuation following acquisition of 550 single
family rental homes growing its portfolio to 1500 homes in the
U.S.

ON THE CALENDAR

* Major Canadian economic data includes employment change,
producer prices and raw materials

* Major U.S. events and data includes jobs, unemployment rate
and manufacturing payrolls